Inside jokes can offer fun potential for your podcast, but also some potential costs. Here are some brief things for you to consider as you engage with your podcast audience.
In my signature fashion, I started preparing a whole list of pros and cons, and some big thinking on inside jokes.
But it's really not that complicated!
An inside joke is some form of callback, trope, catchphrase, or similar that only those “in the know” will get and enjoy. Because of this, inside jokes can be hilarious, but only for those who get them. Inside jokes can be a sort of reward your loyal audience, but alienate your new audience.
I've heard some people advise against inside jokes exactly because your new audience won't get them. But that seems overly focused on the new audience and at the cost of engaging your existing audience and making them feel special.
I think it really comes down to this simple guidance: avoid inside jokes with your cohosts and guests, but embrace inside jokes with your audience.
Where inside jokes come from
First, some examples of inside jokes I've heard from podcasts:
- “Lemons, lemons” from That Story Show
- “Hit in the mouth” from No Agenda
- “KEDAKAI!” from Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
- “Super easy; barely an inconvenience” from Pitch Meeting (series on YouTube, so it is not a podcast!)
- “Mail Kimp” from Serial (first season)
If you've been a loyal follower of any of these shows, then you probably know exactly what these jokes are about, or at least can laugh at them.
So where do these come from?
Some jokes will arise naturally as your audience essentially feeds their growth. That's what I've seen with inside jokes from That Story Show, No Agenda, and Serial. While other things become inside jokes because of how often the host(s) use them, such as the examples from Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend and Pitch Meeting.
It's the audience-feed jokes that I think you should work more to embrace because they will more deeply reward and engage your audience.
What about the new listeners?
There are three approaches I've seen and experienced with podcasts regarding inside jokes:
- Letting your podcast audience eventually catch on with your inside jokes (even if they might not know their origins).
- Occasionally explaining or pointing to the origins.
- Making a glossary of inside jokes—this could even be a supporter-exclusive or email opt-in incentive.
Your goal should be to both engage your existing audience and make them feel special and to create an environment welcoming to your new audience. This comes from having a good balance so that your podcast is not overfilled with inside jokes, but it does mature with loyalty.
Think of inside jokes like extra seasonings for a meal. They can add something special, and especially be appreciated by your “insiders,” and celebrated when your new audience gets in on the jokes.
And I think there is something special, like a sort of “leveling up,” when your audience becomes familiar with your tropes, catchphrases, and inside jokes. Then, they'll feel like one of the “cool kids” when they can throw aroun
